By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Dreaming of a winter getaway?

This February, more than 40 residents of Ann’s Choice and members of the community’s Priority List will drop everything, leave the comfort of their Warminster homes, and take a two-week cruise to the warm weather of Panama.

Tours galore
For experienced travelers Joe and Mary Casele, this cruise won’t be their first. It will be the fifth trip they have taken through the Ann’s Choice transportation department. They have already been to Italy, the Grand Canyon, on a New England cruise, and to the Canadian Rockies.

“I traveled for business, and my wife was often times allowed to go too. So this was something that we love doing, and it’s nice to be able to continue traveling now that we’re here at Ann’s Choice.”

Making it happen
Ann’s Choice Director of Transportation Gene Karahuta makes sure that the residents don’t have a care in the world. All aspects of the trip are thoroughly planned.

“We worry about the details and do the legwork; their only job is to enjoy their vacation,” Karahuta says. “It’s not easy making sure that 42 people are prepared for a trip like this, but I think we will get through it pretty well.”

To each his own
The transportation department plans dozens of trips each year, from mild to wild and by almost every mode of transportation available—planes, ships,  trains, and buses.

May Lukens, who has been to Norway, China, and Australia with Ann’s Choice says, “I haven’t been traveling my whole life, but these are so well run. Everything you could think of is arranged and done for you—they even handle all your baggage for you. When you travel with Gene and his department, you get catered to.”

Other excursions from Ann’s Choice are also in the works. In April of 2008  almost 60 residents have signed up for different excursions to Ireland, Italy, and China.